Agartala, September 09, 2025: In a significant move to promote and preserve the Chakma language, the Tripura government has announced that August 7 will be observed annually as Chakma Script and Language Day. The decision was revealed by Tripura’s Power and Agriculture Minister Ratanlal Nath following a key meeting of the Chakma Language Development Advisory Committee.

Among the initiatives discussed were the inclusion of Chakma in the Google Translate platform, the organization of a national seminar, and the formation of seven sub-committees dedicated to language development. Minister Nath, who serves as the patron of the advisory committee, emphasized the importance of structured efforts to support linguistic diversity in the state.

“Nearly 50,000 Chakma words have already been compiled for the translation platform, and more will be added,” Nath stated. He also highlighted the growing population of the Chakma community in Tripura, which has risen from 79,000 in the 2011 census to an estimated 1.25 lakh, according to unofficial data.

Currently, Chakma is being taught in 123 schools across Tripura from grades 1 to 8, reflecting the government’s commitment to integrating indigenous languages into the education system. Nath noted that Tripura is home to eight distinct communities, and departments have been established to support minority languages such as Kokborok, Manipuri, and Chakma.

Drawing a parallel with Kokborok Day, celebrated annually on January 19, Nath confirmed that Chakma Script and Language Day will be commemorated every year on August 7 to honor and promote the linguistic heritage of the Chakma people.

The meeting was attended by committee chairman Shambhu Lal Chakma and other key stakeholders.